Kalavasos has been established as the first Sustainable Tourism Community (Sustainable HoReCa Community) in Cyprus, announced during an event on Saturday attended by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Kostas Koumis.

According to a statement by the AKTI Research Centre, which spearheaded the initiative, the community is part of the Zero Waste HoReCa project—the first network of its kind in Cyprus, scientifically supported by AKTI. The project aims to promote green growth in Cyprus' tourism industry.

To date, the network has 350 members. Over the past two years, the Zero Waste HoReCa Network has achieved significant environmental savings, including over 50 million liters of water, 1,500 tons of CO2-equivalent emissions, and the redirection of 900 tons of food waste and 800 tons of recyclables from landfills. Additionally, the network members have implemented more than 650 sustainable practices.

“The designation of Kalavasos as Cyprus’ first Sustainable Tourism Community strengthens the cooperation between the community and the ten hospitality and catering businesses operating in the area,” AKTI stated, expressing confidence that other communities will follow.

Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis highlighted in his speech that Kalavasos leads the way by having 100% of its HoReCa businesses join the Zero Waste Network, adding that the Ministry places great emphasis on sustainability.

Dr. Xenia Loizidou, Chair of the AKTI Research Centre’s Board, expressed pride in the Kalavasos community and emphasized that the actions of these businesses are a beacon of hope for driving the Cypriot tourism industry towards sustainable development. She stressed that sustainability is not just a theoretical concept but a tangible result of applied practices and solutions.

Kalavasos' Community Leader Eleftherios Sozou noted that environmental initiatives have always been a priority for the Community Council, and AKTI's initiative was an excellent opportunity to promote actions that support this goal.

In his own remarks, Andreas Yiortsios, Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Manager of Coca-Cola HBC Cyprus, congratulated the community and emphasized the contribution of the Zero Waste HoReCa economic empowerment program in Cyprus.